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Day trips from Santa Ana

19 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.

State park

Chino Hills State Park

17 miles northeast · straight-line distance

State park in Southern California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Compton

23 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (27 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Cabrillo Beach

24 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (36 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Public beach in San Pedro, Los Angeles, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Pasadena

32 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (41 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Town

Riverside

33 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (42 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

County seat of Riverside County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

La Brea Tar Pits

36 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (41 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Protected area.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

36 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 45 min by car (41 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Art museum in Los Angeles, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Bonita Falls

39 miles northeast · straight-line distance

Waterfalls on Bonita Creek in San Bernardino County, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Mount Baldy Ski LiftsSki area

Mount Baldy Ski Lifts

39 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (48 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski resort in Southern California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Santa MonicaTown

Santa Monica

40 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (46 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Beachfront city in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Santa Catalina IslandOutdoors

Santa Catalina Island

40 miles southwest · straight-line distance

Island in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Getty CenterThings to do

Getty Center

42 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (48 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Campus of the Getty Museum and other programs of the Getty Trust in Los Angeles.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Malibu Creek State Park

54 miles northwest · straight-line distance

State park of California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Snow Valley Mountain ResortSki area

Snow Valley Mountain Resort

58 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 30 min by car (78 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski resort in Running Springs, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Black's BeachOutdoors

Black's Beach

69 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (79 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Beach in San Diego County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkState park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

91 miles east · straight-line distance

State park in California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Channel Islands National ParkNational park site

Channel Islands National Park

102 miles west · straight-line distance

National park of the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Cesar E. Chavez National MonumentNational park site

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument

110 miles north · straight-line distance

U.S. National Monument in Keene, Kern County, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Joshua Tree National ParkNational park site

Joshua Tree National Park

113 miles east · straight-line distance

National park of the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Distances are straight-line measurements from the city, not driving distance. Saved road estimates have no consistently recorded source date and are not current traffic; estimates to park centers, water locations or inconsistent routes are omitted. Named-destination route links are not verified entrances. Place descriptions come from Wikidata; photo credits below include recorded capture dates when available. A photograph does not show current conditions.

Outdoor places near Santa Ana

40 recreation areas and campgrounds within 81 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.

Recreation area

Brea Dam

11 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

BikingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnicking

Recreation area

Fullerton Dam

11 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.

PicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Carbon Canyon Dam

12 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

FishingHikingPicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

12 miles west · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Established in 1972, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to protect vital coastal habitats for rare and endangered species.

Ranger programs

Recreation area

Prado Dam

16 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.

BoatingCampingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Whittier Narrows Dam

22 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.

BikingBoatingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Campground

Falcon Group

24 miles east · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway.

BikingCampingHikingMountain BikingPhotographyScenic DriveStar GazingWilderness

Recreation area

Santa Fe Dam

26 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.

BoatingFishingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Angeles National Forest

29 miles north · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingCampingFire Lookouts/Cabins OvernightHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingOff-highway vehiclesPicnicking

Campground

Wildomar Campground

32 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (57 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

11 sites available. Wildomar Campground is currently closed due to the Wildomar Fire until further notice.

CampingHikingPicnickingRecreational Vehicles

Campground

Coldbrook Campground

38 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (52 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites* at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round.

CampingPicnickingRecreational Vehicles

Recreation area

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

38 miles east · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA.

HikingHistoryHorseback riding

Campground

Crystal Lake

40 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (60 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Crystal Lake is open, however, campsites are no longer available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CampingFishingHiking

Campground

Coulter Group Campground

41 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (79 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings.

BikingCampingHiking

Campground

Deer Group Camp

41 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 30 min by car (61 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingSwimmingWater sports

Campground

Meadow Group Campground

41 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (80 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada, California.

BikingBirdingCampingHikingRanger programsWildlife viewing

Campground

Applewhite Campground

42 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (58 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Located three miles north of the Lytle Creek Ranger Station, the campground provides an easy get-away. Trees surround the campsites and Lytle Creek flows across the street at Applewhite Picnic Area. Please use caution crossing the road.

Camping

Campground

Bandido Group Campground

42 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (84 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

BikingCampingHikingHorseback ridingMountain Biking

Recreation area

San Bernardino National Forest

42 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingCampingClimbingFishingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingHunting

Campground

Jackson Flats

43 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 30 min by car (89 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Jackson Flats is a group camping facility located next to beautiful Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which holds numerous nature programs, hikes and activities on Saturdays during the summer.

BirdingCampingHiking

Campground

Appletree Campground

45 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (81 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Nestled in a scenic canyon just off the Big Pines Highway, Apple Tree provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Lake Campground

45 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (82 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Peavine Campground

45 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (82 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Just northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Peavine provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Peavine Campground

45 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (82 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

6.100-foot elevation. 4 tent sites. No water. Vault toilets. Adventure Pass required for vehicles parked at campground. First come - first served. Usually inaccessable during the winter months. The area has heavy use during snow play.

CampingPicnicking

Campground

Southfork Campground

45 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 10 min by car (94 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

At a Glance: 4,500-foot elevation 21 sites RV's up to 16' No water Vault toilets Campsites are first-come, first-served What to Expect South Fork Campground on the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains is a hidden gem in the Mojave Desert.

CampingPicnicking

Campground

Table Mountain (Angeles)

45 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (80 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Table Mountain, just a short journey northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, provides a beautiful escape from urban life. Campers will find hiking, mountain biking, birding and countless other recreation opportunities.

BikingCampingHikingMountain BikingScenic DriveWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Hansen Dam

46 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.

BoatingHikingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sepulveda Dam

46 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.

BikingBoatingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Mojave River Dam

55 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

San Bernardino County Parks manages this project in the high desert wilderness at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. No permanent pool, but camping and picnicking facilities are available. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hiking

Recreation area

Agua Tibia Wilderness

56 miles southeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Agua Tibia Wilderness now contains a total of 17,979 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.

Wilderness

Recreation area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

57 miles northwest · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.

BikingCampingClimbingHikingHorseback riding

Recreation area

Juniper Flats

59 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.

BikingCampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingNature educationOff-highway vehiclesPhotography

Recreation area

El Mirage OHV Area

63 miles north · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

BikingCampingHikingOff-highway vehicles

Recreation area

Beauty Mountain Wilderness

69 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Beauty Mountain Wilderness encompasses a total of 15,627 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office .

CampingHikingHorseback ridingPhotographyWilderness

Recreation area

Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge

74 miles northwest · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

A high mountain valley encircled by deep canyons, steep ridgelines, and rocky pinnacles, Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is the gateway into California condor country.

Ranger programs

Recreation area

San Gorgonio Wilderness

75 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet.

CampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingPhotographyWildernessWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sand to Snow National Monument

75 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Accessible SwimmingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingPhotographyWildlife viewingWinter sports

Recreation area

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

77 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve/ACEC is well recognized as an important wildlife corridor that links BLM's San Gorgonio Wilderness with the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park.

HikingHorseback ridingRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Bighorn Mountain Wilderness

81 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The north-central portion of this Wilderness area holds the rugged Bighorn Mountains and the eastern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.

CampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingNature educationPhotographyRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness

81 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 33,610 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.

CampingHikingHuntingPhotographyWildernessWildlife viewing

Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 9, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Questions

What day-trip ideas are near Santa Ana?

This guide includes Chino Hills State Park, Compton, Cabrillo Beach, Pasadena, Riverside. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.

How far is Chino Hills State Park from Santa Ana?

Approximately 17 miles northeast in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Compton from Santa Ana?

Approximately 23 miles northwest in a straight line; driving takes about 35 min over 27 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

How far is Cabrillo Beach from Santa Ana?

Approximately 24 miles west in a straight line; driving takes about 45 min over 36 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.

Where can I camp near Santa Ana?

Recreation.gov lists 16 campgrounds within 45 miles, including Falcon Group (24 miles east), Wildomar Campground (32 miles east), Coldbrook Campground (38 miles north). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.

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